dreamy running scenery!🐑
I can do anything, and so can you J
Until last August, I had never ran more than 10km. One Friday
night, Nick said to me “do you fancy
doing a half marathon next week?” I said “no way! I couldn’t do that!” You see, for my whole life I’ve
thought as myself as not at all sporty. I was pretty useless in P.E. at school,
can barely hit a tennis ball, and my family still mock me for how many years it
took me to ride a bike! However Nick persuaded me to give the half marathon a
go, and the following Wednesday I ran the furthest I’d ever ran: my first half
marathon. That night I was exhausted but also on top of the world! I had done
something I never felt I could achieve. That same evening, it was me who suggested to Nick that we apply
for the London Marathon. Having thought I couldn’t run a half marathon a few
days before, suddenly I believed I could do anything.
‘Training’ is more motivating than exercise
The last few months of training for the London Marathon have
been a brilliant experience. I have got more in touch with my physical strength,
and love to notice myself getting fitter and healthier. One thing I have found
is that “training” for a considerable challenge is vastly more engaging and
enjoyable than “exercise” – which for me normally involved a bit of treadmill
in the gym, with no real goal other than maybe to lose a pound or two. For
anyone struggling to make time for exercise, I would really recommend switching
to training instead!
Happy running
I feel physically stronger, but the real eye-opener is the
difference that running makes to my mental wellness. I mostly run outside and
try to be mindful of the scenery and the fresh air in my lungs. Sometimes I
start running and my mind is so busy with anxiety and going over my mental
to-do list. After a while, I try to focus on how my body is feeling and the
people and environment as I run past. I noticed it’s typically about 6km before
I let go of all my distracting thoughts and anxiety and focus on the run (good
job I’ve been doing long runs!) On the days I’ve been running I notice that
even when the run is over, I have more energy and a greater sense of positivity
too J
